Rambling Onwards

Writing blog posts lately has been hard.

It's only really been in the spur of the moment (hence Coldplay) where I feel really motivated to do something where I actually manage to get it all written up, edited and then photos edited & posted. It felt someone what out of place to be posting up the Coldplay one before my Laos trip, but that's how it ended out and I didn't want it to wait.

I can't say that I'm not disappointed in the lack of views that my last post got - but when did blogging become about the numbers instead of blogging and sharing stories for enjoyment? When did it start mattering to me who actually read my blog as opposed to creating something that I'm proud of and can look back on?

I'm a bit sad that this is the first post of 2017 (whoo new year!) but to get back to the basics - blogging is about expression and sharing what you want to share. And I'm doing my best to get past the road block that's stopping me from finishing off that Global Village (Laos) post and to get past the pressure I'm putting on myself to make it really, really good.

I was reading a book recently (not surprising, since I've managed to read like 10+ books since exams finished in mid November) about a blogger which made me realise that lately more and more of my posts weren't of me speaking to you guys, but rather me talking to an audience. I guess that comes with not being completely comfortable (or used to) sharing my thoughts and feelings anymore, since I've been writing less and less in the last six months, even if it's just for me.

I also discovered that someone I knew (and read their blog) from high school started blogging again - her posts are so honest, real and relatable that I just wanted to be able to write like that and not be scared. Of course, there's always going to be aspects of my life that I keep private, but that doesn't mean my posts have to feel impersonal and a bit stilted (although sometimes they're alright, just telling you about my experiences, at least this is what I think).

GOAL: To write more freely & openly about my feelings (ie. write better) and to appreciate my blog for what it is, regardless of who reads it.  

In other news, 2016 has been one hell of a long year, and I'm so glad I made it through because I feel like there will be bigger and better things to come. I'm so grateful to all the friends I've made, all the experiences I had, all the crazed/stressed character building moments and for being able to forgive, accept and get my best friend back (love you).

Thank you to everyone who sticks around - from those who await new posts to those who happen to stumble across my humble blog - thanks for giving me that extra bit of motivation to get writing. Thank you to my friends for all the support, I really appreciate it. And in the spirit of the New Year, I hope you'll find something that inspires you.

And now for the sign off I haven't had the pleasure of writing for a while:

With love, Sarah x

Coldplay was an absolute dream.

At the beginning of this year I thought my concert days were over - mainly because a lot of my favourite artists toured last year and there wasn't any news of anyone playing down under in 2016 (except Troye Sivan - but sadly I couldn't get tickets). Coldplay's been on my list since two of my friends saw them during their Mylo Xyloto Tour (2012) and along with the fact that this could be their last tour indefinitely - it was an immediate yes.

Fun fact: Haze and smoke make lights look all the more impressive (and visible).

There were fireworks and confetti and bright, colourful lights galore during the big numbers, but they knew how to keep the crowd interested by mixing it up with stripped back, slower songs with more gentle lights and acoustics.

I don't remember whent his was but it was before 'Paradise'.

A sky full of stars!

You wanted big anthems? They gave it to you with lasers, bright lights, occasional fireworks and lit up the stadium with the free wristbands we got. You needed a moment? Right on cue, they would play something soulful like 'Yellow' or 'Fix You', initiating a singalong (especially during 'Viva La Vida') and swaying crowd. You wanted to party on a Tuesday night? They used a remixed 'Paradise' so the beat dropped and we jumped and danced to our hearts delight, waving our wristbands in the air in a way we never expected.

And just when I thought that was everything, they threw huge, colourful balloons into the crowd during 'Adventure of a Lifetime' - not what you'd expect at a typical concert and honestly it made it so much more fun.

Never did I ever think that I'd be part of a concert where I was so far and yet so close to the action (ie: a LOT of balloons).

I also really liked Coldplay's stage - they had one long catwalk halfway down the stadium so even though we were in the back half of the floor we still got a really good view, especially when the moved to the C stage behind us so they were only a few metres away from us. It also meant that we weren't left out of the confetti showers.

They were so close!

Confetti galore.

It's actually pretty cool being showered in confetti.

The set list was on point - there was never a dull moment and even though they played a number of songs from their headliner album there was no shortage of Coldplay classics. Both the opening acts - Jess Kent and Lianne La Havas - had a great sound and vibe and I don't doubt that they'll become big someday and I'll be there to say that I saw them live and I loved their music and their sound.

I'm not a die-hard Coldplay fan, but I've loved a fair few of their songs over the years and I love their sound. For me, there's two reasons I'd go to a concert - either I'm a massive fan and I know all their music, all of their lyrics and I want to experience it live, or I know enough of their music to enjoy it but I'll let the concert surprise me. This was the latter - and even though I didn't know all of the music I feel so lucky to see them perform live because they put on a bloody brilliant show. I don't feel like it was as life-changing as The Script's concert last year but amazing to be on the floor with thousands of other fans.

Concert fam - thanks for being fab.

As my friend suggested, I've made a tag called concert diary - and much like travel diary hopefully I can document these adventures of a lifetime so one day I can look back and remember how it felt like to be in the moment - just because it makes me so happy.

If you ever find yourself contemplating whether or not to go to your first concert or want something different to do - take the splurge and you won't regret it. Especially something as big as Coldplay - how it feels to be there is just incredible. Go for experiences - and you won't regret it.

What was the last concert you went to?

With love, Sarah x

It's been about four months since I've written (or had the capacity to write) something on this blog but after spending a lot of time at home this week and a lot of time just doing nothing during the midsem (even though I had four weeks to catch up on), I finally feel like I can. It's hard a lot of the time since I don't have anything substantial to say especially if I'm living and breathing revue, uni and work - but it's good to have time again (even if it means procrastinating).

I am quite happy with this photo. #photographyadventures Thanks to my sister for being a great model without wanting to be xoxo. She also has a great book blog, so check it out.

My dad decided to bundle the family in the car and drive us down to Port Botany/La Perouse on Sunday and the result was a day by the seaside and a lot of photos. Even though this was meant to be family time, I ended up wandering off on my own (or with my sister) and we kinda just took a lot of photos and I spent a lot of time watching a couple try to take wedding shots down on the rocks. I honestly felt bad for her since she was trying to navigate those rocks in high heels - but it's all part of the things you do for art. They'll have some amazing photos for sure.

My dad shipped us off (in a car) to Port Botany, giving us about 15 minutes notice. It was nice watching planes take off and land, and ships arrive and leave the harbour - it was surprisingly calming.

Actually, my family make good photo subjects.

So what's been happening?

Law Revue has come and gone along with the more insane highs and lows (compared to last year), I became a Producer for Med Revue and I signed up for something called Global Village, meaning you can expect a lengthy post in December about my experience as a volunteer for SAE LAO in Laos. I stayed in Bondi for a week with a friend and that was the most fun I've had for while, and I've realised that my eating patterns over the last two months were terrible, meaning that my body would crash and I would lack energy a lot of the time. I started a new job in marketing located a few minutes walk from the famous Bar Luca (literally the most amazing burgers in Sydney), I lost some demerit points for a really stupid reason and it's been a tough juggling act between holding onto some friendships, making new ones and letting a relationship grow. But I think it's all worked out, in the most part.

I've also been putting a lot less of my life online - maybe it's because I no longer feel a need to (but let's be real, it's just too time consuming). Maybe this is because studying social media technologies in an arts course also puts me off (trust me, I've written an essay about selfies) or maybe it's to do with turning the big 20. Either way, live life how you want to because you can still enjoy life - which is the most important part.

Yeah, this was actually a candid. I look somewhat awkward in the posing one - but hey at least I didn't have to struggle and walk on rocks in 10cm heels. | Photo: Katrina Wu

I actually spent a chunk of my time watching a bride and groom take their wedding photos and I didn't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for the bride when she was trying to walk on rocks in 10cm heels in a wedding dress. It looked like a massive struggle and I'm glad she eventually took off her shoes - but it just makes me think, those shoes will be ruined. Ruined for art? I think so.

I also spent some time people watching - I find that peaceful even though it sounds slightly creepy. It's not though, I promise.

La Perouse & the 'Wikipedia bridge'. So beautiful and peaceful, despite all the traffic, trouble finding parking and the abundance of people.

The warmer weather makes me want to hit up some beaches or new, scenic places with friends and have a nice day chilling or exploring, but inside (aha) I know this won't happen until November with all the assessments, exams and events happening in the next month and half. Somehow, it's just not the same with family, but it is different in its own way.

[Warning: Revue-centric post]

It's funny how a year ago, I wrote up a post about Med Revue 2015 as part of Tech Crew and it's so optimistic - I was so fresh and it literally skims the surface of revue. A year later, I've been a part of Law Revue cast, Front of House for two shows, ran for Producer and choreographed and danced in another Med Revue. They say a lot changes in a year, but I feel like I've really grown a lot and Revue has changed my life - I've made so many wonderful friends and there are so many people I care about, and I'm so excited to be able to help make it happen and help first-timers gain the same experience I did and grow as people in their revue journey.

I'm sitting here filled with Revue nostalgia and withdrawal from Med Revue: Doctor Flu and to think that I was only a small part of it just makes me realise how much revue means to me and why this weird voodoo revue magic makes me keep coming back. I have a heavy feeling in my heart and I miss spending so much time with my revue friends - my life feels a little empty even though I still have other things that I need to care about.

Photo by Parallax Photography

I think this year's show is so special to me because it was 1) a really amazing show and I got to shape part of it but 2) I somehow managed to become friends with casties and see people grow into someone who was more sure of themselves and confident, and that honestly has been the most rewarding thing. I feel sad that I'm not completely a part of cast, but I still have the rest of the revue community who understand what I'm feeling right now.

But not to dwell on the sad things, because there were many wonderful and beautiful things that happened too, especially during show week.

The dance that I choreographed with Ronn. It turned out pretty well - there are some things that could be improved but hey it's all a learning curve. To see other dances, we made a playlist so check it out.

I've choreographed before, but it's never been as rewarding as this time. I was lucky enough to be working with Ronn Lo, my friend and fellow dancer for almost 6 years, and we just bounced off each other really well and had similar ideas. We had frustrating moments, we had moments where we would smash out a minute of a dance in two hours, but most of all, we had fun. And to think of the first time I choreographed for a staged performance (JRAHS Musical 2013) and compare it to today... I can say that I've grown a lot and I've got a much better idea of how to stage something and tell a story. I still get flustered, I still get stressed and and semi gave up on it towards the end - but I'm actually really proud of what Ronn and I managed to achieve. It also brings me so much joy when the dancers tell me that it's their favourite dance - and I hope they can take away the tricks, skills and confidence they gained from our dance sessions.

Powerful. | Photo by Parallax Photography

Right before show week, I watched the last videos so many times and it was so difficult to enjoy it because we lost so much of the atmosphere of the dance as we weren't dancing with a backing track, we were dancing to a band version of the song. The last few days before Opening Night I was quite upset over how the dance turned out - but I'm so grateful that band got their act together and all the performers gave their heart and soul to the dance and made it really wonderful. In all honesty, it wasn't the cleanest dance and in terms of staging and technical level it wasn't that hard, but I'm glad cast enjoyed themselves. And hey, maybe next year I'll be back to make a harder dance. And I'll be stricter. And maybe we'll pull off something half as amazing as Opening Dance this year.

Cast of Med Revue 2016. | Photo by Parallax Photography

It's been a whirlwind of emotions and I'm glad I made it through my crazy 2nd week of May - but I miss it all the same. I hope some of the friendships I made will be the ones that stick with me and carry me through life - especially since I seem to be terrible at maintaining friendships.

See you on the other side of uni semester/exams - take care friends.

With love, Sarah x

Almost a month ago (yes I am very backlogged, and I have another half-written draft) my family decided to take a little day trip up to the Blue Mountains to see autumn leaves and pick some apples (literally). I wasn't going to go, except 10 minutes before they were meant to leave home I decided to get up and go with them. It was mostly a 'cram as much work in as you can during the car trip' and 'hey let's take lots of photos' kind of road trip, but it was fun either way and I'm grateful got to spend time with family during a time where I spent almost every day at uni or work.

I really like this photo. Unfortunately I cannot take credit for the photo taking part, just editing. | Photo by Katrina Wu

We hit up an apple farm to pick some pink lady apples (and devour some while we were in the orchard) before we headed off to find a place for lunch. The most interesting part of the day was the fact that we couldn't get into the Botanical Gardens, and we couldn't even get into a picnic area because the traffic was banked up and there were too many people.

The most ironic thing?

Most of them were Asian, and I can tell you from past experience there were not this many people heading to the area at the same time last year. It's crazy how something can be blown up on social media, especially when thousands of people in a particular region of a specific ethnicity send something viral. It's extremely powerful, and it was the cause of our traffic woes that one sunny day.

I actually love this photo - I saw the van and the first thing I said was "I need this shot".

After wildly suggesting that we drive to Lithgow, we ended up driving to Blackheath and my sister and I ran off to try things with our new DSLR camera - we had a bit of fun and some of it was a hit and miss, but here's what actually turned out alright.

I spent ages editing this one because I wasn't happy with the brightness/vibrance of it - but it worked out in the end. | Photo by Katrina Wu

Just casually rocking my leather jacket and new-ish Quay sunnies that I finally splurged on. | Photo by Katrina Wu

We also visited a smaller garden to see the infamous 'red leaves'. One thing that really frustrated me was how much noise our family friends were making in the garden, and I feel like this a common trend among young people who feel that their family act inappropriately and are not informed of the correct etiquette. The garden was a very peaceful space and all the noise disturbed the tranquil and serene atmosphere, and more importantly, my zen. We ran off from the main group just because it was nice to be in your own headspace with someone else who understood, and we managed to capture some interesting shots (although again, I can only take credit for the ones featured below).

Trying to take this shot made me realise how hard it can be to get the angles right.

It was a relaxing day overall and I'm glad I managed to get out and take some nice photos as I said I would in an earlier Tweet - and I'm looking forward to doing this more in the coming break. I have so many spontaneous moments where I want to jump into a car or on a train and just go somewhere with no aim but to explore somewhere new and capture some moments on camera, and it's so frustrating when I'm stuck at home or at uni trying to do something else. I also don't really have any travelling buddies if my sister is busy - but hey something always works out.

And just a side note - I'm constantly being astounded by the fact that people actually read my blog, even though I've put up two posts since the uni semester started. Don't get me wrong - I'm very grateful to have an audience and I can't thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sticking around this long.

Take care.

With love, Sarah x